Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
3-5-2022 1:00 PM
End Date
3-5-2022 4:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION: The CDC estimates that over half a million US children between ages 1-5 have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. No level of lead can exist safely in the human body, especially since lead does not aid any of its biological processes and, actually, impedes these processes. Past use of lead paint, leaded gasoline, and manufacturing and disposal procedures in lead-based industries have contributed to lead contamination of soil and water. Now, the risks of lead contaminated soil and produce in urban community gardens pose a new challenge. Saikawa Labs at Emory discovered lead slag in residential and community gardens of Westside Atlanta. The status of lead contamination within Gwinnett County has not been investigated.
OBJECTIVES: Mainly, this study aims to conduct a preliminary analysis of soil in Gwinnett County to ascertain lead levels. In partnership with Saikawa Lab of Emory University, this expands the soil analysis into Metro Atlanta. METHODS: As dried soil is collected, the location of each specimen is mapped out. Soil is analyzed utilizing an XRF spectrometer. Lead naturally occurs in soil with an average geologic background of 10-50 mg/kg. The EPA currently considers 400 mg/kg of lead in soil hazardous. Thus, sample levels beyond this will be reported to the proper authority for evaluation.
RESULTS: This pilot study maps out the pattern of lead contamination in Gwinnett County which has been traditionally more rural when compared to the Super Fund Site in West Atlanta which has a more industrial history. The results obtained in this study will be utilized to further map soil lead levels in Gwinnett County and to expand soil lead testing throughout Metro Atlanta with support from the EPA’s Environmental Education Grant and in partnership with both Science ATL and Saikawa Lab.
CONCLUSION: As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed and food scarcity has become increasingly problematic, many have started home gardens or pursued participation in community gardens. Knowing the heavy metal contamination status of the soil allows for the produce grown in these gardens to support the healthy growth and development of children and adults.
Embargo Period
5-31-2022
Included in
Study of Soil Lead Levels in Gwinnett County
Suwanee, GA
INTRODUCTION: The CDC estimates that over half a million US children between ages 1-5 have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. No level of lead can exist safely in the human body, especially since lead does not aid any of its biological processes and, actually, impedes these processes. Past use of lead paint, leaded gasoline, and manufacturing and disposal procedures in lead-based industries have contributed to lead contamination of soil and water. Now, the risks of lead contaminated soil and produce in urban community gardens pose a new challenge. Saikawa Labs at Emory discovered lead slag in residential and community gardens of Westside Atlanta. The status of lead contamination within Gwinnett County has not been investigated.
OBJECTIVES: Mainly, this study aims to conduct a preliminary analysis of soil in Gwinnett County to ascertain lead levels. In partnership with Saikawa Lab of Emory University, this expands the soil analysis into Metro Atlanta. METHODS: As dried soil is collected, the location of each specimen is mapped out. Soil is analyzed utilizing an XRF spectrometer. Lead naturally occurs in soil with an average geologic background of 10-50 mg/kg. The EPA currently considers 400 mg/kg of lead in soil hazardous. Thus, sample levels beyond this will be reported to the proper authority for evaluation.
RESULTS: This pilot study maps out the pattern of lead contamination in Gwinnett County which has been traditionally more rural when compared to the Super Fund Site in West Atlanta which has a more industrial history. The results obtained in this study will be utilized to further map soil lead levels in Gwinnett County and to expand soil lead testing throughout Metro Atlanta with support from the EPA’s Environmental Education Grant and in partnership with both Science ATL and Saikawa Lab.
CONCLUSION: As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed and food scarcity has become increasingly problematic, many have started home gardens or pursued participation in community gardens. Knowing the heavy metal contamination status of the soil allows for the produce grown in these gardens to support the healthy growth and development of children and adults.